The Ruff Report: Dogs and Safety

Wednesday

Feb 13, 2013 at 12:01 AMFeb 13, 2013 at 1:18 PM

Valentine's Day one of most poisonous times for pets

Candy and flowers may be enjoyable for people, but they can be killers if ingested by dogs and cats, making Valentine's Day one of the more poisonous days of the year for pets, according to animal welfare advocates.

Pet parents are being advised to be vigilant when it comes to keeping sweets out of reach of their companions, because chocolate is so toxic that it can kill even in small amounts and flowers also can be poisonous and damage internal organs, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

A book about a rescue dogthat will touch your heart THE HUNT OF HER LIFE, a full-color book by newspaper journalist and MySetterSam.com publisher Joseph A. Reppucci, is must reading for animal lovers of all ages. It has 60 color photos of dogs to illustrate the compelling story of Samantha, an unwanted rescue dog adopted at age 2 by Mr. Reppucci. Travel with them along a trail of life filled with surprising twists, sudden turns, mystery and even what some call a miracle. And when the journey is finished, you may never look at people and their pets, motherhood - and perhaps even God - in the same way. THE HUNT OF HER LIFE will take you on a captivating journey - a trip like no other - that will touch your heart.

Story continues here"Chocolate (baker’s, semi-sweet, milk and dark) can be potentially poisonous to animals," ASPCA veterinary toxicologist Steven Hansen states in a media release.Excessive ingestion of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination and thirst, abnormal heart rate and rhythm as well as hyperactivity and seizures, Dr. Hansen says.The ASPCA also warns owners to keep dogs away from gum and candy, which often contain large amounts of the sweetener Xylitol, which can be a toxic killer for pets. Ingestion can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar - resulting in depression, loss of coordination, seizures and liver failure.Flowers should be kept out of reach, too, because they can pose danger for curious pets who may ingest them, Dr. Hansen said. "Animals are very good at sniffing out things they shouldn’t eat," he said.Reports about dogs, poison and safety Grapes, mushrooms, pot are leading pet poisonsPosions found in pet collars, bowls, beds and toys Common household item causes most pet poisonsPet poisons bloom everywhere This information about poisoning can save your pet's life

Reports about dogs, food and safetyToxic levels of chemical found in dog foodsMore reports about dogs and safetyThis common activity can injure - even kill - your petLiving room item cause most pet injuriesIn emergency, your pet's survival depends on youNo ID means death for 800,000 pets a yearProtect your pet from theft and torturePets capable of swallowing strange objectsWays to keep pets safe in storms, disastersMore reports about dogs and safetyA dog who eat plants may get an stomach upset, accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, Dr. Hansen said. Cat owners should be especially careful with lilies because they can be deadly if ingested.HOME

Candy and flowers may be enjoyable for people, but they can be killers if ingested by dogs and cats, making Valentine's Day one of the more poisonous days of the year for pets, according to animal welfare advocates.

Pet parents are being advised to be vigilant when it comes to keeping sweets out of reach of their companions, because chocolate is so toxic that it can kill even in small amounts and flowers also can be poisonous and damage internal organs, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

A book about a rescue dogthat will touch your heart THE HUNT OF HER LIFE, a full-color book by newspaper journalist and MySetterSam.com publisher Joseph A. Reppucci, is must reading for animal lovers of all ages. It has 60 color photos of dogs to illustrate the compelling story of Samantha, an unwanted rescue dog adopted at age 2 by Mr. Reppucci. Travel with them along a trail of life filled with surprising twists, sudden turns, mystery and even what some call a miracle. And when the journey is finished, you may never look at people and their pets, motherhood - and perhaps even God - in the same way. THE HUNT OF HER LIFE will take you on a captivating journey - a trip like no other - that will touch your heart.

Story continues here"Chocolate (baker’s, semi-sweet, milk and dark) can be potentially poisonous to animals," ASPCA veterinary toxicologist Steven Hansen states in a media release.Excessive ingestion of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination and thirst, abnormal heart rate and rhythm as well as hyperactivity and seizures, Dr. Hansen says.The ASPCA also warns owners to keep dogs away from gum and candy, which often contain large amounts of the sweetener Xylitol, which can be a toxic killer for pets. Ingestion can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar - resulting in depression, loss of coordination, seizures and liver failure.Flowers should be kept out of reach, too, because they can pose danger for curious pets who may ingest them, Dr. Hansen said. "Animals are very good at sniffing out things they shouldn’t eat," he said.Reports about dogs, poison and safety Grapes, mushrooms, pot are leading pet poisonsPosions found in pet collars, bowls, beds and toys Common household item causes most pet poisonsPet poisons bloom everywhere This information about poisoning can save your pet's life

Reports about dogs, food and safetyToxic levels of chemical found in dog foodsMore reports about dogs and safetyThis common activity can injure - even kill - your petLiving room item cause most pet injuriesIn emergency, your pet's survival depends on youNo ID means death for 800,000 pets a yearProtect your pet from theft and torturePets capable of swallowing strange objectsWays to keep pets safe in storms, disastersMore reports about dogs and safetyA dog who eat plants may get an stomach upset, accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, Dr. Hansen said. Cat owners should be especially careful with lilies because they can be deadly if ingested.HOME